What happens if a dog eats a chicken bone?

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When a dog swallows a chicken bone, there is a chance the bone will choke the dog or pierce its intestinal wall leading to severe complications such as peritonitis, a potentially deadly abdominal infection that is difficult to treat and may be too much for a dog's body to handle.1-800-PetMeds explains that giving any type of animal bone to dogs may be hazardous to your dog's health.

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This is more likely to be a problem with cooked chicken bones. Raw bones do not splinter, and dogs have an easier time chewing them into smaller pieces. Still, raw bones sometimes contain harmful bacteria and may cause diarrhea and illness. 1-800-Petmeds recommends working with a holistic veterinarian to determine what is best for your pet.

Vetinfo warns of the intestinal blockage, another hazard a dog might face after swallowing a chicken bone. Chicken bones are usually too small to cause intestinal blockages, but it is still a possibility that shouldn't be ruled out, especially in toy breeds. An intestinal blockage is often deadly without veterinary attention. Even though bones are rich in nutrients and can certainly have a positive impact on a dog's health, it is generally accepted that the risks outweigh the benefits.